Bend + Fly, West End QLD
Tell us about Bend + Fly, where did it all begin?
Bend + Fly was been born out of a desire to offer something a little playful in the yoga space with the addition of AntiGravity Aerial Yoga, whilst at the same time honouring the traditions of yoga. It started and will continue to be a passion project to bring yoga to more people.
Do you have a team that you work with? Tell us about them..
Yes - not being from a yoga background myself, the team has been critical in making the the studio a success. We’re lucky to have an effervescent Studio Manager, Esther, who is 500hr trained yoga teacher but also has a background in Marketing - so she set up some beautiful branding and Renae Stevens - who is a National Trainer for AntiGravity Australia/NZ, who oversees much of our Aerial Yoga development.
What’s the biggest reward in running your own studio?
Easy access to some of the best Aerial Yoga Classes/Teachers going around
How is your studio different to other Studios in your area?
Only heated power yoga studio with AntiGravity Aerial Yoga. But the ambience of the studio is what sets it apart - with it being surrounded by a beautiful treescape with filtered light streaming through the leaves.
What exactly is involved in aerial yoga?
What makes Aerial really cool is that there are so many elements to it…from restorative qualities with the cocooning of the hammock to a strong fitness focus with the ability to use the hammock as a strength building apparatus. Aerial is best known for the inversions though. The hammock has the ability to reverse gravity allowing the spine to experience the joy of full decompression. This feeling of weightlessness is what makes people fall in love with Aerial Yoga.
You have a few different therapies on your website, tell us about them.
Our core product is power and restorative yoga and AntiGravity. Within that we offer yoga therapy for physical and emotional repair. We also focus on AntiGravity for back pain - the aerial yoga hammock has the ability to be used in a clinical setting similar to the Pilates reformer has with Physios.
Do you offer anything for new members?
We induct all new Members with a 3 Week Intro to Aerial Course and a one one one yoga session.
How many different classes do you have and which one is the most popular?
We have 10 different class styles across the 2 yoga types (floor and aerial). People are always drawn to stronger types of yoga such as Hot Core Power Yoga and then the playful aerial classes such as Aerial Play, where you can expect tricks and flips.
What's your favourite class that you offer and why?
Yin Yoga because it provides the deep stretching and the mindfulness that a former footy player with 2 young kids and a business needs :)
Do you have one on one classes as well as group classes?
Yes - One on One Yoga is a key aspect of our studio as it teaches students the foundations of yoga, fast-tracking their progress and avoiding injury.
Where do you see your studio in the next 5 years?
If all goes to plan, we have 5 studios throughout south-east Queensland.